In a move to significantly bolster bilateral ties, Philippine Ambassador Aileen Mendiola met with Israeli Trade Minister Nir Barkat to fast-track economic initiatives following the 1st Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Meeting. The discussions underscored a shared commitment to formalizing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and deepening industrial synergies between the two nations.
The meeting served as a vital follow-up to Minister Barkat’s July 2025 visit to Manila, centering on several high-priority economic pillars:
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Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Both nations have agreed to commence technical-level discussions immediately. The goal is to finalize the Terms of Reference (ToR) by early 2026, paving the way for a comprehensive trade framework.
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Semiconductor Synergy: A major highlight of the partnership involves the electronics supply chain. Ambassador Mendiola emphasized the “complementary” nature of the two economies, noting that Israeli-designed chips are slated for high-quality manufacturing in the Philippines.
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Agricultural Export Expansion: Discussions are underway to grant Philippine fruit exports market access to Israel, providing Israeli consumers with premium tropical produce.
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Connectivity and Tourism: To support these growing ties, both leaders explored the potential for direct flights between the Philippines and Israel to boost business travel and tourism.
Ambassador Mendiola highlighted the strategic logic behind the deepening cooperation, particularly in the technology sector. “The Philippines and Israel are complementary partners. Israeli tech companies design the chips, and our highly skilled Filipino workers manufacture them in the Philippines, ultimately benefiting Israeli tech firms, which will use them to produce innovative products,” said Ambassador Mendiola.
The year 2026 is poised to be a landmark period for the relationship. With the Philippines set to chair ASEAN, both parties explored leveraging this leadership role to expand Israel’s reach within the Southeast Asian market.
To maintain this momentum, a series of high-level missions involving Philippine trade officials and business executives are planned for 2026. These visits will target investment and collaboration in:
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Aquaculture and Agritech
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Food and Beverage
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High-Technology and Innovation
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from both Ambassador Mendiola and Minister Barkat to pursue mutually beneficial outcomes that will redefine the economic landscape for both the Philippines and Israel.
